Chapter Ten: Finally, Skills Acquired

"Panic not, it's just a power outage!" The art gallery plunged into darkness as the power system was sabotaged, throwing even the guards outside into disarray.

"Stay calm! Turn on your flashlights!" Junfu maintained his composure amidst the sudden blackout. Abruptly, the sound of shattering glass echoed in his ears, making him wonder if Cat's Eye was attempting to escape. However, the sound seemed to emanate from all directions.

Indeed, Zhang Fan, seeking to confuse the police, had fired several shots, breaking multiple panes of glass and leaving behind Cat's Eye's signature card. He had quickly stashed "The Rhine" into a tube and secured it firmly on his back.

Done! Seizing the moment of chaos, Zhang Fan sprinted down from the second floor, leaping a good five meters to the ground. Thanks to Lei's meticulous training, he knew exactly how to land to minimize injury. After several rolls, he stood up unscathed.

"Big brother, how did it go?" Rui Tears rushed to Zhang Fan upon his return, eagerly inquiring about the mission.

"It's done, let's retreat," Zhang Fan patted the tube on his back and quickly started the motorcycle, speeding back to the Cat Eye Coffee Shop with Rui Tears.

"Big brother, you're amazing! Evading so many people!" The streets were deserted at night, except for their motorcycle speeding along. Rui Tears, sitting behind Zhang Fan, clung to him tightly, relishing the warmth of the moment. She admired Zhang Fan greatly for his successful mission.

"It was nothing major. This time we owe it to Rui Tears' help. It's a pity she didn't receive the mission," Zhang Fan commented. Had Rui Tears also received the mission, they could have earned an additional 1000 game points and those two skills.

"It's okay, as long as big brother completes the mission," Rui Tears responded affectionately, her main concern being Zhang Fan's protection and safety, regardless of the game points.

"You silly girl," Zhang Fan said, touched by her words. He knew the game was becoming increasingly humanized, but future dangers were unpredictable. Game points could be lifesaving in critical moments, just like in his recent mission. If it weren't for the game store, the mission would have been impossible.

That determination only strengthened Zhang Fan's resolve to protect Rui Tears, whether in this mission or the next. His sole purpose was to ensure a happy life for both of them.

"Did that policewoman leave?" Back at the Cat Eye Coffee Shop, they entered through the back door as the front was already closed. Upstairs, the three sisters waited anxiously for Zhang Fan and Rui Tears, silently praying for their safe return.

"Zhang Fan, you're back!" Xiao Tong greeted him with joy, forgoing his question and beginning to check him for injuries, her concern evident.

"All good, and here's 'The Rhine'," Zhang Fan reassured her, handing the tube to Lei, who gratefully accepted it. The successful heist had prompted the policewoman to leave, and the chaos at the gallery had been quite a scene.

"Hehe, had to improvise under the time pressure," Zhang Fan confessed modestly, imagining the bedlam at the gallery. Poor Junfu, he thought, must have had a rough time.

Thus, Zhang Fan's mission was once again a success. To celebrate, they held a small gathering, retiring to their rooms only after 1 AM.

But Zhang Fan didn't sleep; he was eager to explore the skills he had earned from the mission. With great anticipation, he accessed his task panel to draw his random skills, finally adding two V1 skills to his profile.

Enhanced Firepower V1: Increase the power of firearms by 40%.

Deathly Silence V1: Reduce the sound of footsteps.

Considering these skills, Zhang Fan felt a mix of excitement and practicality. While not flashy, they were undoubtedly useful. The firepower enhancement would be a significant advantage in future battles, and Deathly Silence was essential for stealth missions.

Before going to bed, he carefully hid the night vision goggles and 4A1 purchased from the game store. The next day, Junfu arrived at the coffee shop, looking weary. The policewoman, noticing Zhang Fan for the first time, began her own speculation.

"What's wrong, Junfu? This isn't like you," Zhang Fan consoled his friend after introductions. Junfu lamented the failure to capture Cat's Eye and the injuries sustained by his team in the confusion.